Looking at a 325e. How do I know if its legit?

DR.ZED · 10-03-2008, 06:44 PM

I'm going to look at a 325e shortly. I am attracted to this vehicle because of the condition as well as the fact that the 325es had a limited slip which this ad says as well.

I've seen pictures and if I'm not mistaken the 325e had a 3 spoke steering wheel. This vehicle does not.

How do I confirm via VIN or option sticker that this is indeed a vehicle with LSD and bigger brakes etc... that this model had?

Thanks in advance.

325isStephen · 10-03-2008, 07:21 PM

325e as far as I know isn't to special of a car, however a 325is would have come with lsd, 3 spoke wheel and lots of other goodies.

Steve

craz azn · 10-03-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR.ZED

I'm going to look at a 325e shortly. I am attracted to this vehicle because of the condition as well as the fact that the 325es had a limited slip which this ad says as well.

I've seen pictures and if I'm not mistaken the 325e had a 3 spoke steering wheel. This vehicle does not.

How do I confirm via VIN or option sticker that this is indeed a vehicle with LSD and bigger brakes etc... that this model had?

Thanks in advance.

I had an old '85 325e back in the day, and it too had a three spoke wheel, sport seats, and a LSD. If it was a post'86, I would be willing to bet a lower chance that it would have those goodies. The only way to check via VIN is to have somebody decode it who works at the dealership.

PS all e30s have same sized brakes, except for M3s. No big brake option unfortunately.

everlast · 10-03-2008, 11:21 PM

As far as I know, all 325es are 2 doors, and all es had a 2.9x LSD (2.93?). You can confirm by checking the tag on the diff. They also typically had the sought-after pre-87 front valance. I bought a parts 325es once and it had the typical 4 spoke steering wheel.

andicanada · 10-03-2008, 11:37 PM

yeh !!! not all e30 have the same brake system there are 3 diff. version's . there are even some with a drum brake in the back and a non vented rotor up front

craz azn · 10-03-2008, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andicanada

yeh !!! not all e30 have the same brake system there are 3 diff. version's . there are even some with a drum brake in the back and a non vented rotor up front

We are in North America right? And this discussion is about 325s?

misterknowitall

andicanada · 10-04-2008, 12:16 AM

PS all e30s have same sized brakes, except for M3s. No big brake option unfortunately.

thats your quote alright so any further question now !?!

craz azn · 10-04-2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andicanada

thats your quote alright so any further question now !?!

Ya? So? Your point is? They aren't bigger than normal regular vented discs, so this isn't helping the OP. PLUS we are talking about 325s here, not old shitbox 318s from 84-85... or chinzy eurospec 316 which you are used to

andicanada · 10-04-2008, 01:05 AM

lol you are a real funny guy, i never drove a 316i by the way

my point is that what you said is not right as you did say E30 and not 325
and second i know that the post is about a 325e i think i can read !
doit right the first time or go home lol

everlast · 10-04-2008, 01:28 AM

what the heck are you guys going on about?

DR.ZED · 10-04-2008, 08:06 AM

Thanks for the replies... I think.

My biggest concern is that I actually buy a vehicle with a LSD. I'm planning an LSx swap and T56 and I need a clean car with an LSD. I've found the clean car but I wanted to confirm the LSD. Tag on diff? I'll get the VIN # and call a dealer good advice.

Anything else to look for?

Zorin · 10-04-2008, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craz azn

Ya? So? Your point is? They aren't bigger than normal regular vented discs, so this isn't helping the OP. PLUS we are talking about 325s here, not old shitbox 318s from 84-85... or chinzy eurospec 316 which you are used to

318s from 84-85 are not shit boxes !

**Mystikal** · 10-04-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR.ZED

Thanks for the replies... I think.

My biggest concern is that I actually buy a vehicle with a LSD. I'm planning an LSx swap and T56 and I need a clean car with an LSD. I've found the clean car but I wanted to confirm the LSD. Tag on diff? I'll get the VIN # and call a dealer good advice.

Anything else to look for?

If one has the funds and tools to do an LSx swap, then picking up a used LSD and bolting it on can't be a big deal.

There's like a dozen more important things when buying a shell, IMO.

Zorin · 10-04-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystikal

If one has the funds and tools to do an LSx swap, then picking up a used LSD and bolting it on can't be a big deal.

There's like a dozen more important things when buying a shell, IMO.

exactly - shell is the key - ask me how i know

**T.Dot_E30** · 10-04-2008, 12:34 PM

Plus, are you sure it would have the correct ratio to mate to the t56?

Either way, when you look at it, jus jack up both back wheels and spin them, if they spin the same way, most likely its a limited slip.